Drought spreads to 11 districts. Water levels of major tanks decline to 16%

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The water levels of 72 major irrigation tanks in the island have declined to 16% and the number of drought-hit districts has increased up to 11.

Accordingly it is reported that residents of the districts of Polonnaruwa, Anuradhapura, Moneragala, Ampara, Hambantota, Puttalam, Trincomalee, Mannar, Vavuniya, Mullaitivu and Kilinochchi have been affected due to the prevailing drought.

Among the most affected residents who find it difficult to reach at least drinking water are from Elephant Pass and Karachchi areas of the Kilinochchi district and Periyakulam and Maankulam areas of the Vavuniya district.

The Finance Ministry stated 11 thousand 459 families have been affected due to the drought.

Meanwhile Irrigation Department’s Director General Badra Kamaladasa explained about the water levels of irrigation tanks.

At the same time, Wildlife Department’s Director General H.D. Rathnayake said animals in Yala, Kumana and Wilpattu National Parks have been affected due to lack of water and fodder due to the prevailing drought.